Information Booklet
Quantity Surveyor Grade I
Title of Position:
Quantity Surveyor Grade I
Employing Authority:
Department of Defence
Location:
McKee Barracks, Blackhorse Avenue,
Dublin 7
Contact Details:
Ms Betty Mitchell, Civilian Employees’
Section, Human Resources’ Branch,
Department of Defence, Station Road,
Newbridge, Co. Kildare.
Telephone Number: (045) 49 2188.
About the Office:
The Minister for Defence, in conjunction with the Defence Forces, wishes to recruit a Quantity Surveyor Grade
I. The main duty of the Quantity Surveyor Grade I will be to undertake the provision of Quantity Surveying
duties as a member of a QS Team based in the Defence Forces Engineering Branch McKee Barracks, Dublin 7.
About the Job:
The Department of Defence maintains a wide variety of facilities, both buildings and infrastructure, at various
locations in Ireland for the use of the Army, Naval Service, Air Corps and RDF. When the need arises, new
facilities are constructed or the existing upgraded.
The technical aspects of the maintenance and construction of Defence Forces’ facilities are administered on
behalf of the Department of Defence by the Engineer Branch, led by the Director of Engineering.
Design and supervision of complex and / or larger projects (> €1m) is generally undertaken by external design
teams recruited on a project by project basis, although a relatively small number of those projects are designed
and supervised directly by Corps of Engineers’ personnel. Less complex and smaller projects are designed and
supervised ‘in-house’ by Military Engineers based around the country, with the assistance of local design staff
employed directly by the Department.
A QS Section is based in the Directorate of Engineering with a brief to provide general QS services on
individual projects, assist in the procurement of construction consultants and contractors and help resolve
difficulties on projects designed by ‘in-house’ teams. The QS Section has an establishment of 4 quantity
surveyors.
A vacancy currently exists for a Grade 1 QS. The QS Grade 1 will work as part of a team reporting to the
Head of QS Services in delivery of QS services as required to the Defence Forces Corps of Engineers and
shall have the experience and capacity to take full responsibility for the provision of the QS service in his
absence.
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Principal Duties & Responsibilities
Quantity Surveyor Grade I
The newly appointed Quantity Surveyor Grade I will carry out the following duties:
Provide support to Head of QS Services in the areas of QS office administration and staff management.
Provide cost advice and budgets for the provision or refurbishment of Defence Forces’ (DF) facilities with
particular emphasis on obtaining value for funding committed to proposed projects.
Participate in the capital appraisal of projects.
Participate in the planning of construction and maintenance annual expenditure and monitoring actual
against planned expenditure on the construction programme.
Prepare and oversee others working on Bills of Quantities and associated documentation (prequalification
questionnaires, Forms of Tender, Contract Schedules, ITTs, etc.) for DF projects.
Prepare documents for inclusion in tender sets where a Bill of Quantities is not being provided.
Examine tender documents prepared both in-house and by external consultants to assess their
comprehensiveness and to minimise the potential for cost over runs on the projects
Evaluate tender submissions, report on them and recommend awards.
Draft contract award documentation.
Work as part of both ‘in-house’ and external Design Teams to provide, as required, either full or partial
pre- and-post contract QS services, including cost planning, Bill of Quantities preparation and post
contract financial administration
Draft requests for expressions of interest and for tender submissions, for both services and works
contracts, and place on OJEU & E-Tenders websites; assess responses received.
Provide advice to Military Engineers on contractual matters relating to the tendering and administration of
projects placed using the Public Works Conditions of Contract, primarily the Short Form and the Minor
Works documentation.
Assist Military Engineers in the agreement of Final Accounts for projects where difficulties have been
experienced in concluding matters.
Analyse contract documents and other sources of cost information to collate data for use in the assessment
of future projects.
Assist with audit inspections in relation to spending on DF Engineer works.
Participate in the development of procedures and guidance documents for the Defence Forces on cost
control, procurement procedures and contract management, in line with the Public Sector’s Capital Works
Management Framework documentation, OGP guidance and best practice.
Participate in the development of procedures and guidance documents for the construction industry in the
Public Sector generally.
Deputise for the Head of QS Services in his absence and assist him as required.
Such other duties appropriate to the post as may be determined from time to time by the management of
Engineering Branch.
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Administrative
The Quantity Surveyor Grade I will:
Keep up to date with developments in the construction industry and the QS profession and be aware of
opportunities to apply such developments to their working environment.
Participate in the development of procedures to ensure a high standard of quality control in the documents
produced by the QS Office ad by engineer personnel in general.
Co-operate with the application of quality assurance procedures.
Take part in the training of both QS staff and DF engineer personnel to develop their skills in the drafting
of tender documentation, assessment of tenders and administration of building contracts.
Engage in personal development planning and performance review procedures for self and for others, as
required.
Quality, Safety & Risk
The Quantity Surveyor Grade 1 will:
Understand the requirement to achieve a high level of quality in the production of design and tender
documentation, in the construction of projects and the administration of contracts.
Be aware of the requirements of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work legislation with respect to both
their own personal safety and the obligations imposed on Clients.
Be aware of the requirements of the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations and the principles
underlying them.
Appreciate the value of long term durability to the Department and DF when considering the construction
options available for a project and the risks arising from failure to select the best options.
General
The Quantity Surveyor Grade I will:
Have the capacity to co-operate well with other DF personnel and external Design Team members to
ensure the provision of an effective QS service for DF projects and to maintain good working
relationships.
Adhere to Department and DF policies at all times.
Perform such other duties appropriate to the post as may be assigned from time to time by Department /
DF management.
Ensure confidentiality is maintained with respect to all information obtained during the course of
employment, particularly with respect to information provided by, or obtained from, others on the
understanding that it is provided in confidence.
The post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post, which may be assigned to
him/her from time to time, and to contribute to the development of the post while in the role. This job
description will be subject to review in the light of changing circumstances. It is not intended to be exhaustive
but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which individuals work.
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Entry Requirements
Factors
Qualifications
Essential
Candidates must, on or before the
closing date for applications:
A. Be included on, or eligible for
inclusion on, the register of
Quantity Surveyors maintained
by the Society of Chartered
Surveyors Ireland in accordance
with the Building Control Act,
2007. Prior to a formal offer of
appointment, any candidate under
consideration will be required to
provide satisfactory evidence of
registration.
Desirable
A third level qualification in Project
Management.
ECDL or similar evidence of
competency in the use of Microsoft
Word and Microsoft Excel.
Current Safepass card
And
B. Have qualified in the final
assessment examination and be
entitled to admission as a full
member of the Society of
Chartered Surveyors Ireland
(Quantity Surveying Division)
and / or the Royal Institution of
Chartered Surveyors (Quantity
Surveying Division), or an
equivalent professional institution
for Quantity Surveyors
acceptable to the Department of
Defence. Should the candidate
have chosen the ‘direct
membership’ route to
membership eligibility for either
of the above professional
institutions, they must have
achieved final qualification and
entitlement to full membership.
And
C. Have successfully completed and
graduated from a third level
degree course accredited to at
least NFQ Level 8 in quantity
surveying, construction
economics or an equivalent
relevant area of study.
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Experience
After attaining the qualification
referred to at (B) above, have at least 7
years satisfactory experience in
Quantity Surveying with reference to
the duties set out against ‘The
Principal Duties and Responsibilities’
above and covering the full range of
pre- and post-contract quantity
surveying services on a range of
building and project types relevant to
the Defence Forces’ estate inventory.
Directing other staff in the delivery of
Professional QS services.
Production of Bills of Quantities for
use in tender competitions.
Knowledge and experience of the Public
Works Conditions of Contract,
particularly the ‘Short Form’, ‘Minor
Works’ and ‘Term Maintenance’
versions.
Knowledge of Public Procurement
Procedures in Ireland and of national
and EU procurement requirements for
construction services and works;
experience in the procurement of works
and services in accordance with those
requirements.
Proficiency in the use of Microsoft
Word, Excel and in at least one of the
more widely used QS BQ production
software packages – e.g. Buildsoft,
RIPAC, Masterbill or CostX.
Experience in drafting technical
specifications for building work.
Sufficient knowledge and experience of
Mechanical and Electrical services to
enable the person make a productive
contribution to the drafting of tender
documents and to the post contract
administration of projects where such
Services may be a significant element of
the project.
Experience of working on buildings
enjoying protected status and / or high
heritage value.
Other
Possess an acceptable proficiency,
both written and oral, in the English
and / or the Irish language.
Possession of a driving licence entitling
the holder to drive a car in the Republic
of Ireland unaccompanied by a licensed
driver.
Access to a car insured for use in the
course of the person’s employment
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Core Competencies
Professional
Knowledge and
Skills:
 Directing professional and administrative staff in the delivery of
Professional QS services.
 Production of Bills of Quantities using the Agreed Rules of Measurement 4
and ARM4 Supplement 1; knowledge of the requirements of ARM4
Supplement 2
 Delivery of QS services on the consultancy side of the industry
 Resolution of contractual disagreements.
 Knowledge of national and EU procurement requirements for construction
services and works; experience in the procurement of works and services in
accordance with those requirements.
 IT competence and proficiency, and a willingness to further develop IT
skills relevant to the appointment.
 Experience in drafting technical specifications for building work.
 Experience in the operation of framework agreements and panels for use in
the Public Sector.
 Knowledge and experience of mechanical and electrical building services
sufficient to enable a productive contribution to be made to cost estimation,
the drafting of tender documents and to the post contract administration of
projects where such services may be a significant element of the project.
 Ability to win and retain the confidence of persons dealt with in the course
of discharging the duties of the appointment.
Organisational
Knowledge
Interpersonal &
Communication
Skills
 Demonstrate an understanding of the role of QS in a multi-disciplinary
Design Team;
 Demonstrate an understanding of the role of QS professional Bodies and
organisations maintaining standards.
 Demonstrate an excellent command of the English language in order to
effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities of the appointment;
 Demonstrate satisfactory written and verbal communication skills and
ability to listen;
 Display effective interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate
with colleagues, etc;
 Demonstrate flexibility with regard to work practices and patterns;
Flexibility
 Show the ability to respond to changing circumstances.
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Evaluating and
judging situations
Teamwork Skills
 Demonstrate the ability to effectively evaluate information and make
appropriate decisions
 Demonstrate effective team building skills including the ability to work as a
member of a multi-disciplinary design team;
 Demonstrate the ability to build and sustain productive collaborative
relationships in a busy working environment.
Planning and
Organisational Skills
 Organisation of staff and delegating appropriately; management of team to
achieve required deadlines;
 Ability to use own initiative and work without supervision;
 Ability to multitask and prioritise;
 Demonstrate an ability to manage and develop both self and others in a
busy working environment.
Health:
A candidate for the post must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office
and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of rendering regular and efficient
service.
Age:
A candidate who is classified as a new entrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation Act,
2004) must be under 70 years on appointment. A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under
65 years on appointment.
Selection Criteria:
Selection for appointment will be by means of a competitive interview conducted by a board established by the
Department of Defence. The Department may, having examined the applications of all candidates, decide that a
limited number of candidates will be invited to attend for interview. The criteria for selecting candidates to be
called for interview will be the requirements of the position as set out in this document. In the event that a
short-listing process occurs, applicants will be short-listed for interview on the basis of the information supplied
in their CVs demonstrating that they fulfil the eligibility criteria and possess the essential requirements and
relevant qualifications as set out in this document. Failure to include information regarding these requirements
may result in applicants not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process.
The Department does not commit itself to making any appointments. Candidates invited for interview must be
prepared to make themselves available at their own expense. It is expected that interviews will take place in
September 2016. Canvassing will disqualify.
Application Procedures
Applicants should send 3 copies of a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae indicating suitability for the post to Ms.
Betty Mitchell, Civilian Employee Section, Department of Defence, Station Road, Newbridge, Co. Kildare.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 9th September 2016. Any applications received after that date will
not be accepted.
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Principal Terms and Conditions of Employment
Quantity Surveyor Grade 1
Tenure
The appointment is full time, permanent and pensionable. Candidates selected by the
interview panel must successfully complete the Garda vetting process prior to being
selected for employment. A Probationary period of 12 months will apply.
The following salary scale will apply for any appointee covered by the Public Service
Pensions (Single Scheme & Other Provisions) Act 2012:
Remuneration
€65,000- €66,742- €68,707 - €70,668 - €72,626 - €74,956 - €77,556 LSI 1 €80,140 - LSI 2
Class A rate of PRSI will apply to any person appointed under this competition.
The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government
policy.
In general the rate of pay offered will be the 1st point of the above scale.
Note: Candidates should note that different pay and conditions may apply if,
immediately prior to appointment, the appointee is a serving civil or public servant.
The standard working week applicable to this post is 43.25 hours gross (inclusive of
lunch breaks) and 37 hours net (exclusive of lunch breaks).
Working Week
The nature of the work may require attendance for duties outside of office hours.
Payment will not be paid for hours worked in excess of the normal hours of attendance.
Time off in lieu may be granted subject to the exigencies of the Service.
Annual Leave
The annual allocation applicable to a full-time position is 30 days exclusive of Good
Friday and public holidays rising to 31 after 5 years service.
The superannuation arrangements for new entrants will be in line with the provisions of
the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme & Other Provisions) Act 2012. The
Superannuation minimum age at which a pension is payable is set, initially at 66 years (rising in step
with State Pension age increases to 67 in 2021 and 68 in 2028). Retirement is
compulsory on reaching 70 years of age.
For employees who are deemed not to be “new entrants” as defined in the Public
Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004, the retirement age is 65
but there is an option to apply for an extension to remain in employment until age 66.
Please note that the abatement provisions of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme
& Other Provisions) Act 2012 will apply to appointees who are in receipt of public
service pensions.
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